Minutes Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners Thursday, July 12, 2018

A regular meeting of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority’s Board of Commissioners’ was held on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Kensington Metropark at the Nature Center.

Commissioners Present: Timothy J. McCarthy Jaye Quadrozzi Robert W. Marans (arrived at 10:34am) Bernard Parker (arrived at 10:42am) Kurt L. Heise Steve Williams Staff Officers: Director Amy McMillan Deputy Director David Kirbach

Other Attendees: Acting Chief of Finance Rebecca Franchock Miller Canfield Steve Mann Detroit Zoological Society Ron Kagan Detroit Zoological Society Scott Carter Kitch Law Firm Mike Watza

Absent: Commissioner John Paul Rea

1. Call to Order Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 10:31 a.m.

2. Chairman’s Statement None.

3. Public Participation Toni Spears, Dexter, asked everyone if they noticed the milkweed in bloom on the way into the park. She also said it was good to see the storm water management plan as the Metroparks have a unique opportunity with the lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands in our area. Ms. Spears also said good planning and well qualified organizations are involved and was pleased to see the opportunities for public input as part of the planning process. She suggested additional signage at the parks updating patrons about current projects would be helpful.

4. Approval – June 14, 2018 Regular Meeting and Closed Session Minutes Motion by Commissioner Quadrozzi, support from Commissioner Heise that the Board of Commissioners’ approve the June 14, 2018 regular meeting and closed session minutes as presented.

Motion carried unanimously.

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5. Approval – July 12, 2018 Agenda Motion by Commissioner Heise, support from Commissioner Williams that the Board of Commissioners’ approve the July 12, 2018 agenda as presented.

Motion carried unanimously.

6. Approval – July 12, 2018 Consent Agenda Motion by Commissioner Marans, support from Commissioner Quadrozzi that the Board of Commissioners’ approve the consent agenda consisting of the following: a. Approval – June 2018 Financial Statements and Payment Registers b. Approval – June 2018 Appropriation Adjustments c. Purchases 1. Tractor, Wolcott Mill Farm Center 2. Rock Salt, Various Locations d. Report – Purchases over $10,000 e. Approval – 2018 Tax Levy Rate f. Report – Marketing/Media Stats g. Bids – Pool Heater Replacement, Willow Metropark

Motion carried unanimously.

7. Detroit Zoological Society Presentation – Scott Carter Discussion: Commissioner McCarthy welcomed Ron Kagan and Scott Carter to the meeting and said they would give an update to the Board regarding the Great Lakes Nature Center.

Ron Kagan, director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society said his favorite Metropark is Kensington as he comes to the park often to ride his bike. He said he may have to change his answer to Lake St. Clair Metropark in a couple of years if the project moves forward in Macomb County. He said the Zoo’s mission is celebrating and saving wildlife and they do that throughout the tri-county area. The Zoo has a millage, which can only support accredited zoological facilities and does not include the Belle Isle Nature Center nor would it include the Great Lakes Nature Center.

Mr. Kagan said they are aware of lots of other organizations focused on the Great Lakes and environment, but none of them have a physical location, which is unique about this project. The Detroit Zoo is the single largest tourist attraction in the state with the ability to reach millions of people. It’s critical for the Zoo to be able to ensure all of the stakeholders that work on environmental issues have a direct to have direct contact with people. He said Zoo officials talked with Macomb County officials and they are really supportive. Zoo officials have been working through a number of issues, developing a programmatic agenda and also trying to understand the best possible location to build the nature center.

Mr. Kagan said this endeavor has the potential to be the second largest capital investment project the Zoo has done, and by building on Metroparks property it will dramatically elevate exposure to Lake St. Clair and enhance the Metroparks brand since the Zoo has such a large reach both regionally and nationally. He said the Metroparks has wonderful parks and wonderful programs and to develop this hybrid type nature/science center would be exciting for the Metroparks and impactful for the Zoo.

Commissioner Parker entered the meeting at 10:42 am.

Scott Carter, chief life sciences officer of the Detroit Zoological Society briefly reviewed the proposed design plans for the Great Lakes Nature Center. He said the Zoo wanted a green and sustainable design with solar power, geothermal heating/cooling elements; diverse programing for different audiences with both indoor and outdoor programs; use technology

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to engage visitors; use water as the central theme of the center with programs to engage the public; share success stories highlighting restoration, have habitat and exhibit experiences using reptiles and amphibians as examples and have large outdoor features and sculptures.

Mr. Carter said the Zoo also wanted to showcase the dynamic trail system already in place at the park, provide birding programs, have science on a sphere, as well as conducting watershed exploration and lake simulations using interactive technology. He also briefly reviewed the various stakeholders, collaborations and alliances Zoo officials have spoken with or plan to reach out to regarding involvement with this project.

Commissioner Marans asked what the asterisk meant next to some of the organizations. Mr. Carter said it was organizations the Zoo has reached out to, but have not yet scheduled a meeting.

Mr. Kagan said the Belle Isle Nature Center is small and relates more to urban wildlife whereas the vision for the Great Lakes Nature Center is for a much larger scale and investment.

Commissioner Marans asked if the Zoo has reached out to the water center at U of M? Mr. Carter said yes, but they have not met yet.

Commissioner Marans asked how far the Zoo was into the design concept and process. Mr. Kagan said they have been working with Metroparks leadership staff; however, they cannot go much further without a location that has been approved by both organizations. Once an agreement is in place, the design phase can begin.

Commissioner Heise asked if there were any new funding sources since he last met with Zoo staff. Mr. Kagan said they have preliminary discussions with a lot of entities; however, most organizations are not able to commit without a location.

Commissioner Marans said the Department of Energy may be interested in supporting this project. Mr. Kagan said there is a lot of excitement generated regarding the project from various agencies; however, things are at a standstill until a location has been determined.

8. Reports A. Administrative Department 1. Report – Foundation Sponsored Senior Day Motion by Commissioner Marans, support from Commissioner Williams that the Board of Commissioners’ receive and file the Foundation report on Senior Day as presented by Chief of Foundation Services Julie Hein and staff.

Discussion: Chief of Foundation Services Julie Hein updated the Board on the recent Senior Day held on May 30 at Kensington Metropark.

Commissioner Parker asked if the intent was to do programming at other parks and to reach out to other centers. Ms. Hein said yes.

Commissioner Parker asked if there was a day set aside for seniors that we invite them out at low cost with activities geared for seniors that is not restricted to a couple of centers. Deputy Director Kirbach said the Metroparks have had a general senior day in the past, but one was not scheduled for this year.

Commissioner Williams said he thought various events were going throughout the year as his mother is at an assisted living facility and that they have various trips to events in the park. Mr. Kirbach said there are a couple senior centers that come out for the Michigan Philharmonic concerts and park staff make arrangements for them

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to have good seating and to assist with getting them where they need to go in the parks.

Commissioner Parker said he would like to see more opportunities for seniors at the parks.

Commissioner Marans asked if there were plans for next year. Ms. Hein said yes, staff has already talked with the Health Alliance Plan (HAP) and the Henry Ford Macomb Hospital with a day at Lake St. Clair Metropark.

Commissioner Marans asked if there would be more than one location for this event. Ms. Hein said staff is working on securing donations for 2019.

Motion carried unanimously.

8. Reports A. Administrative Department 2. Approval – Catering Services, All Locations Motion by Commissioner Quadrozzi, support from Commissioner Heise that the Board of Commissioners’ award RFP 2018-020 to Crank’s Catering of Shelby Township, Michigan for a contract, to begin Jan. 1, 2020 for a term of three (3) years, with up to one (1) two-year renewal option to provide catering services at the Metroparks as recommended by Senior Buyer Heidi Dziak and staff.

Discussion: Senior Buyer Heidi Dziak updated the Board on the background for catering services and reviewed revenue received from events catered by Kosch. She said the contract with Kosch ends on Dec. 31, 2019 and the Metroparks either needed to renew the contract or select another vendor. She said staff recommended award the contract to Cranks Catering.

Commissioner Parker asked if sample menus were available and if Cranks was comparable to Kosch. Ms. Dziak said yes, sample menus were available, they had comparable pricing and were open to catering to smaller groups. She also said Cranks would not be the exclusive caterer at shelters and patrons would be able to bring in their own food or use their own caterer if Cranks was not able to meet certain meal requirements.

Commissioner Marans asked if staff did a reference check. Ms. Dziak said yes and that the Metroparks has used Cranks before 2008.

Director McMillan asked Ms. Dziak to explain the difference between exclusive and preferred caterer. Ms. Dziak said Cranks would be the only or exclusive caterer for the Environmental Discovery Center event room at Indian Springs, the Thomas Welsh Activity Center at Lake St. Clair and the Sunset Terrace banquet tent at Stony Creek. Cranks would be the preferred caterer, but not exclusive caterer for events at picnic shelters throughout the Metroparks.

Motion carried unanimously.

B. Planning Department 1. Report – Draft Huron Meadows Master Plan Motion by Commissioner Marans, support from Commissioner Williams that the Board of Commissioners’ receive and file the draft Huron Meadows Master Plan as recommended by Chief of Planning and Development Nina Kelly and staff.

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Discussion: Chief of Planning and Development Nina Kelly updated the Board on the draft plan and said the process is the same as with previous plans. She reviewed Huron meadows as it is today, including the biodiversity and cultural history. She said Huron Meadows has 76 percent biodiversity areas and that it is a relatively new park with newer facilities, no paved trails, a golf building and a picnic shelter. Ms. Kelly reviewed centers and facilities near Huron Meadows, reviewed revenue and expenditures and said it is one of the least subsidized parks (17 percent). She reviewed community influences and said the area around Huron Meadows is mostly residential.

Ms. Kelly said two public meetings were held with 39 people attending and 332 people participated in the survey, with a lot of interest in mountain biking. Currently there are no plans to include mountain bike trails in this 10-Year-Plan. She said the Action Plan identified needs/opportunities and reviewed projects. Key projects include Maltby and Rickett Road, Maltby lake trail improvements, the engineering field house plan, Whitmore Lake and Rickett Road, canoe and kayak improvements and Huron River south connectivity plan. Other projects include adding tolling booth options, wetland restoration, the easement with Green Oak Township and the property they purchased from the Metroparks, replacing the playground and adding rustic trail connectivity.

Ms. Kelly said the plan is to post the plan on the website for two weeks and then bring the final plan to the Board for approval at the August meeting.

Commissioner Marans said that Ms. Kelly mentioned discussions with Livingston County planning officials regarding extensive development plans to the south along Winans Lake Road and the open boundaries to Huron Meadows and asked what her thoughts were for protecting the land or limiting access to the park. Ms. Kelly said staff can work with the community and Green Oak Township to ensure access to residents while also protecting resources.

Commissioner Marans asked if Huron Meadows had camping. Ms. Kelly said no.

Commissioner Williams said he has golfed at Huron Meadows and most people he talks with said they like the park and that they would like to see more opportunities for kayaking etc. Ms. Kelly said staff needed to look at tolling and accessibility.

Commissioner Williams said Livingston County has a lot of state owned land and that access is an issue. Ms. Kelly said there are opportunities to add some type of fencing.

Commissioner McCarthy said all the files needed to be digitized and should be addressed. Director McMillan said staff was looking into a solution.

Motion carried unanimously.

8. Reports B. Planning Department 2. Report – 2018 Count Day Initiative Motion by Commissioner Quadrozzi, support from Commissioner Williams that the Board of Commissioners’ receive and file this report as presented by Chief of Planning and Development Nina Kelly and staff.

Discussion: Ms. Kelly updated the Board on the plan and that the count days would be held on July 16 and 22 – one weekday and one weekend day. She said staff would be collecting zip codes, demographics and where the people that came to the parks lived.

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Commissioner Heise asked if staff was only going to ask for zip codes. Ms. Kelly said yes and staff would also take notes on the number of people in the car, if patrons had a dog with them. She said the initiative wouldn’t be all encompassing, but it’s a start. Commissioner Marans asked if staff would make note of the type of car people were driving. Ms. Kelly said not during this count day.

Commissioner Parker asked if there was a contingency plan for inclement weather. Ms. Kelly said staff wanted to see who visits the parks on a rainy or bad weather day.

Commissioner McCarthy asked if staff would include bikers in the count. Ms. Kelly said not during this effort.

Motion carried unanimously.

8. Reports C. Interpretive Department 1. Report – Interpretive Services Update Motion by Commissioner Parker, support from Commissioner Williams that the Board of Commissioners’ receive and file the Interpretive Services report as recommended by Chief of Interpretive Services Jennifer Jaworski and staff.

Discussion: Chief of Interpretive Services Jennifer Jaworski updated the Board on Interpretive Department activities and recapped the number of facilities; reviewed goals and programs; reviewed the number of people served in 2017 (1.5 million); reviewed the Get Out and Play/Get Out and Learn programs; and said the Interpretive department received grants from PNC and 3M. She also said staff is well versed and knowledgeable in school education requirements and staff is able to contact schools with low test scores end help students.

Commissioner Williams asked if schools share test scores. Ms. Jaworski said scores are posted on the public education sites and interpretive staff are able to look them up. She said staff is working with a middle school in Fowlerville to raise test scores over a three-year period for sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

Commissioner Marans asked how many people were on the interpretive staff. Ms. Jaworski said there were 18 full-time and 34 part-time staff.

Motion carried unanimously.

D. Natural Resources Department 1. Report – Black Creek Marsh Restoration Project Final Update, Lake St. Clair Motion by Commissioner Heise, support from Commissioner Marans that the Board of Commissioners’ receive and file the final report on the Black Creek Marsh Restoration Project as recommended by Chief of Natural Resources and Regulatory Compliance Ryan Colliton and staff.

Discussion: Mr. Colliton said the Black Creek Marsh project was complete and he wanted to update the Board one last time. He reviewed the grant details, partners involved in the project, changes required to finish the project since the Metroparks was not able to purchase a key piece of land. Mr. Colliton said the Metroparks received additional funding from the Great Lakes Commissioner and the dredging company lowered their price so the project could be completed.

Commissioner Quadrozzi asked where kayaks and canoes were launched. Mr. Colliton said from the boat launch area.

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Commissioner Williams asked why the landowner did not want to sell. Mr. Colliton said the owner wanted to build apartment buildings.

Motion carried unanimously.

8. Reports F. Engineering Department 1. Approval – Professional Services Agreement for Storm Water Management Motion by Commissioner Heise, support from Commissioner Quadrozzi that the Board of Commissioners’ (1) approve the proposal from OHM Advisors in the amount of $456,000; and (2) approve the transfer of $456,000 from the Lake St. Clair Unallocated account to the Engineering Professional Services account as recommended by Chief of Engineering Services Mike Henkel and staff.

Discussion: Mr. Henkel updated the Board and said the plan will identify and quantify any necessary deficiencies. A major component of the planning process is to assess existing storm water conveyance systems and map the entire network throughout all the parks. Planning process elements include meetings with park staff, public involvement, public education, field inspection, condition assessments, mapping, analysis and recommendations and a storm water management report.

Mapping and condition assessments will be conducted for shorelines, river banks, culverts, ditches, and watershed areas. All the information will be incorporated into the Metroparks Geographical Information System (GIS) and will be referenced for future projects.

Mr. Henkel said staff chose OHM Advisors over the lowest bidder because they provided the most comprehensive understanding of the project and the requirements to fulfill the intent of the grant as well as the long-term goal of the plan. OHM also supplied relevant personnel experience with their project team.

Commissioner Parker said AEW was the low bidder and asked if they were not responsive. Mr. Henkel said what was received from AEW was basically just the RFP and they didn’t go into details on how they would do things and did not identify the individual components necessary to fulfill the grant requirements. Also, some of AEW personnel didn’t have formal training in storm water management processes.

Commissioner Heise asked how long the project would take to finish. Mr. Henkel said the grant is a three-year program, but the project should be completed in three months.

Motion carried unanimously.

2. Approval – Revised Cell Tower Lease Agreements, Stony Creek and Wolcott Motion by Commissioner Parker, support from Commissioner Williams that the Board of Commissioners’ approve the proposed contract terms and direct staff to work with Legal counsel at Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone, P.L.C., and Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook Law Firm, P.C. to finalize cell tower lease documents as recommended by Mike Henkel, Nina Kelly and staff.

Discussion: Mr. Henkel updated the Board and said contract terms have been reached with Crown Castle regarding the two cell towers on Metroparks property at Stony Creek and Wolcott Mill Metroparks. He said staff worked with Miller Canfield

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and Kitch on the agreements. Mr. Henkel introduced Mike Watza from Kitch who then updated the Board on the cell tower lease agreements.

Mr. Watza said there has been a lot of cell tower changes over the last year and they were able to increase funding on the leases by approximately 40 percent, which is a big increase and unprecedented.

Commissioner McCarthy asked what the Board needed to do today. Mr. Kitch said approve the proposed contract terms and authorize staff to finalize the agreements.

Commissioner Quadrozzi thanked Board members and staff for researching the cell tower leases.

Mr. Watza said with the use of smartphones and machine to machine usage, the market needs more towers and antennas to keep up with the demand. He said the industry has consolidated in order to push the rates down.

Commissioner Williams asked if the Metroparks would have the ability to add access on the towers for 911 communications or if local municipalities needed access. Mr. Watza said there is nothing in the agreement that would exclude adding more antennas, but he could contact Crown Castle regarding having language added to the agreement.

Commissioner McCarthy asked that the ability to include antennas be added to the motion.

Commissioner Parker amended the motion to include adding language to the agreement with Crown Castle regarding adding antennas to the cell towers.

Motion as amended carried unanimously.

Commissioner McCarthy asked how to go about adding more cell towers at the Metroparks. Mr. Watza said he has had discussions with another park system in the state about the same issue. He said there are a few qualified network engineers that could look at the Metroparks topography, locations, determine where there might be a need and then have discussions with the industry and perhaps do an RFP to lease to the wireless industry.

Mr. Henkel said we need to be cognizant of conversion issues as there was a problem with one site and grant funding. All the parks are encumbered and the Metroparks would have to mitigate or buy extra land if leasing more towers.

9. Other Business None.

10. Staff Leadership Update Director McMillan thanked staff for all their incredibly hard work during the fireworks events and during the Fourth of July holiday. She said the Kensington Golf Course is rated ninth in the top 10 public golf courses in metro Detroit; that staff is working on cost estimates for digitizing files and that the Michigan Philharmonic will be at Kensington on July 14 and Lake St. Clair on July 21.

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11. Commissioner Comments Commissioner McCarthy thanked staff for the presentations.

Commissioner Williams thanked staff and said to keep up the good work.

Commissioner Quadrozzi said she was on the lake at Kensington recently and underestimated the wind and that the lake is much larger than you think when it’s windy.

12. Motion to Adjourn Motion by Commissioner Parker, support from Commissioner Williams that the Board of Commissioners’ adjourn the regular meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 12:26 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Shawn M. Athayde Recording Secretary

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